Thursday, November 29, 2012

LA Show 2012 Highlights: Hyundai Veloster C3 Roll Top Concept

Described by Hyundai as a “roll top,” the C3 features a full-length fabric roof and a tailgate, which is claimed to add practicality to the car, along with the folding seats, so surfboards or canoes can be slotted into the back. It also means Hyundai has been able to retain the Veloster’s asymmetric third door.

Hyundai has used some unusual materials to trim the car. The roof is made from the tarpaulin from a curtain side HGV trailer, while the boot floor and seatbacks are covered in sections of recycled skateboards.

Much of the car’s exterior trim has been inspired by the customising culture that is centred around fixed-gear pushbikes. The deliberately mismatched mirror and rear wheel covers can be changed by the driver to alter the car’s look, while the colour scheme was influenced by those found on fixed-wheel bikes.

The car is powered by Hyundai’s 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, with 184bhp and 195lb ft.